Dame Mary Berry will receive the BAFTA Fellowship, the Academy’s highest honor, at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards. This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contributions to television. The ceremony takes place on May 10 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
Berry’s Storied Television Career
At 90, Dame Mary Berry remains a beloved figure in British television, best known for judging The Great British Bake Off. She launched her career in the 1970s and has captivated audiences ever since.
Dame Mary Berry DBE shared her excitement: “I couldn’t believe it was true, what a huge honour to be presented with the BAFTA Fellowship. For over 50 years, I have enjoyed every moment of teaching my passion on television and I thank all the generous professionals along the way who have given me guidance and support – and I am still learning. This amazing BAFTA Fellowship is the icing on the cake!”
BAFTA’s Tribute to a Television Icon
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, praised Berry’s impact: “Dame Mary Berry is a singular talent whose warmth, craft and generosity have helped shape the very best of British television. Mary Berry for more than 60 years has informed, inspired and entertained audiences, setting a new benchmark for factual entertainment, proving that expertise and empathy can draw huge audiences in primetime. The BAFTA Fellowship is our highest honour, and we’re proud to celebrate Mary’s extraordinary legacy at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises.”
Legacy of The Great British Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off debuted on the BBC before moving to Channel 4 in 2017, where it achieved record viewership. Its eleventh series in 2020 marked Channel 4’s largest audience in 35 years. Berry and Paul Hollywood formed the original judging duo, winning national affection. Prue Leith replaced Berry in 2016 and judges alongside Hollywood today.
The show inspired spin-offs like Celebrity Bake Off for charity, Junior Bake Off, Bake Off: The Professionals, and An Extra Slice. It also sparked international adaptations and BBC hits such as The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Post-Bake Off Success
Since leaving Bake Off, Berry has starred in BBC series including Mary Berry’s Simple Home Comforts, Mary Berry Everyday, and Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets. She judged Britain’s Best Home Cook and hosted Mary Berry Saves Christmas. Berry has authored numerous cookbooks, a gardening book, and launched cakes and the app In Mary We Trust.
